Mashrafe Mortaza Expects In-Form Players To Contribute More

Bangladesh opener Liton Das and Imrul Kayes made significant contributions in the second ODI against Zimbabwe but skipper Mashrafe Mortaza wants them to do more.

Meanwhile, in a chase of 247, Das and Kayes strung together a fine 148-run opening stand to all but decide the fortune of the game, helping seal the series comfortably. Das was the first to fall after a 77-ball 83, including 12 fours and a six. Kayes – who scored a stunning 144 in the first win – batted on to score 90 from 111 deliveries before perishing.

Mashrafe Mortaza is happy with the team’s progress but wants players to cash in on their good form more, suggesting that untimely dismissals will be a ‘crime’ against better opponents.

“I would have not minded if they were out to good deliveries but that was not the case,” said Mortaza. “I would like if they don’t repeat these things often and maximise their batting potential. We are making the same mistake now and then,” he added.

Furthermore, Mashrafe Mortaza made a similar appeal to Mohammad Mithun, who has been putting together decent scores at No.5 without making them big ones.

In the first game against Zimbabwe, he got out for 37, before making an unbeaten 24 in the next. Mortaza is happy with the progress he sees in Mithun, who scored two half-centuries in the Asia Cup 2018, but expects more.

“Probably he was not placed in the right position earlier but now looks more settled after playing in his favourite spot and that seems to help us in earning a good balance in the side. If he plays like this and keeps batting positively then the team’s balance will be fine. Now he has to understand this and maintain consistency,” said Mortaza.